7 LGBTQ+ Publishers You Should Be Paying Attention To
by Rose Atkinson-Carter
Which LGBTQ publishers should you be reading?
Did you know that around 4 million books published in 2023?
Between self-publishing and traditional publishing, new books are filling our shelves every hour, every day. New niches are arriving; old ones are rising to the top. Diverse voices are being shared, and, thanks to some dedicated individuals and imprints, long-standing inequalities of representation in publishing are being challenged. In this article, I’ve listed 7 of my favorite publishers focusing on LGBTQ+ literature.
These publishers are helping authors tell their stories, no matter who they are, how they identify, or what story they wish to tell. From under-represented tales featuring queer heroes, nonbinary relationships, and struggles with sexual and gender identity, the publishers below all champion humanity in all its many shades and preferences.
From fiction to nonfiction, children’s books to poetry, here you’ll find publishing companies that not only challenge the mind, charm the heart, and expand your horizon but, most importantly, show you that fantastic stories come in various forms.
Listen up: These 7 LGBTQ+ publishers have something to say.
With over 400 titles in print, Arsenal Pulp Press is a Canadian based LGBTQ publisher that is no stranger to printing boundary-pushing reads. From tackling social issues to publishing eye-opening LGBTQ+ memoirs and BIPOC literature, to adult graphic novels, gender study essays, regional histories, and cookbooks, they’ve always published with a keen eye on the type of literature that engages readers, challenges norms, and asks questions about the world around us.
Some stellar titles from Arsenal Pulp Press include the much celebrated Butter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi and practical nonfiction like the forthcoming Special Topics in Being a Parent By S. Bear Bergman, which is an illustrated guide for parents trying to understand their child’s identity and queer experience.
Predating Y2K and the earliest days of digital publishing, Regal Crest Enterprises was originally a publisher of lesbian literature that grew to become much, much more. Now known as Flashpoint Publications, this US press champions sapphic romance and publishes books that defy stereotypes and expand binary worldviews. This LGBTQ publisher is a ray of sunshine in this vibrant corner of the publishing world.
They have titles ranging all across genre spectrum, but the futuristic sci-fi romance, The Last Scion of Ra by K. Aten is an easy favorite! To couple that, Asher Faun’s collections of poems, Love, The Monster in the Closet, illustrates the kind of difference-making they’re capable of with their books.
Since 2004, Bold Strokes Books has been bringing quality queer fiction to the readers of the world. These books are memorable and deserve to be among the best of them.
With a dedicated and experienced team guiding each publication, they offer a diverse range of titles, such as Ride with Me by Jenna Jarvis, a stand-out journey of self-discovery, or the tongue-in-cheek mystery Bait and Witch by Clifford Mae Henderson. Bold Strokes Books captures diverse a myriad of queer experiences with their progressive and evocative titles.
Hey, readers! Don’t miss these recommended LGBTQ+ books from LGBTQ+ publishers.
Painted Hearts Publishing is an LGBTQ publisher publishing all subgenres of LGBTQ+ romance. Their catalog includes stories of paranormal lust, contemporary romances, sweet mysteries, historical romps, and urban fantasy adventures. The pages of a Painted Hearts novel are full of candid love, desire, and tenderness. Focused on expression, their titles are aimed toward readers who are looking for not just a great read, but a memorable one.
From Char DaFoe’s A Jade’s Diamond to The Panther and the Dove by Tiffany E. Taylor, Painted Hearts books feature deep characters and unflinching narratives.
5. Cleis Press
As the largest independent publishing company in the United States focusing on LGBTQ+ themes, you’d think Cleis Press would know a thing or two about being an LGBTQ publisher. And you’d be right!
With a firm eye on the horizon, Cleis Press has always aimed to serve books that change the way people think about romance, sexuality, and erotica; and not only that, to educate them too.
From fiction to nonfiction, their books cover much under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, and the many avenues of pleasure and romance. Their books will broaden your horizon not just in how you view the world, but in how you view yourself.
Their powerhouse nonfiction book The Transgender Child by Stephanie A. Brill and Rachel Pepper is a highly-praised, award-winning book that has helped countless parents support their nonbinary and transgender children since 2008. Translated into multiple languages and sold world over, this book is not only important, but it is unapologetic about what it stands for: love and acceptance.
Hey, writers! Want to know what people would say about your book if it was published today? Try group beta reading!
An award-winning publisher and home to over 90 titles, Interlude Press is an LGBTQ publisher specializing in books that promote understanding and the wide range of experiences of people who identify under the inclusive umbrella of LGBTQ+.
The press was formed in 2014 to publish novels, novellas, short form fiction, and more. With a YA imprint, Duet Books also under their wing, their novels have won many awards, been featured in numerous literary journals and book lists, and most importantly, won the hearts of many readers.
Notable books include Born Andromeda by K.M. Watts or Felix Silver, Teaspoons & Witches by Harry Cook, two YA classics-to-be of self-discovery, inner-truth, and that light which yearns to shine in all of us.
An absolute gem in the halls of indie publishing, Sapphire Books Publishing is an LGBTQ publisher specializing in lesbian fiction, nonfiction, and biographical memoirs. Founded by Christine Svendsen in 2010, they produce quality novels that reflect the lives of the lesbian community and their authors. Embracing their diverse and different experiences, this is the heart of their operation.
The community of authors and readers for Sapphire Books is a strong and welcoming one. Stories such as Control by Kim Pritekel & Alex Ross or Prairie Fire by Kayt C. Peck go beyond romance and dig for a deep experience, personal for not only the characters but the readers too. With complex characters drawing you into their worlds, these books are exemplary of the kind of excellence Sapphire Books is achieving.
Rejoice! Here’s a bigger list of publishing companies!
About the Author
Rose Atkinson-Carter is a writer with Reedsy, a marketplace and blog that helps connect authors with publishing professionals and provides free resources on topics ranging from hiring a ghostwriter to setting up book advertising campaigns and everything in between. She’s previously written for Horror Tree, Writing.ie, Nessgraphica, and a number of other writing and publishing blogs. She lives in London.
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